Tractob



F. V. JOHNSON TRACTOR APPLICATION FILED NOV. H. 1918.

Patented Oct. 7, 1919.

3 SHEETSSHEET 1.

Fred ICE/271:0)?

ATTORNEY F. v. JOHNSON.

TRACTOR. APPLICATION FILED NOV-11.1918- 76d IUD/7215077 INVENTOR A TTORNEY F. V. JOHNSON.

TRACTOR. APPLICATIONHLEDI Nov.11. 19x8.

Patented Oct. 7,1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET s j ird Rio/722:0)?

IN VENTOR QAZQM m/Za/ A TTORNE Y FRED V. JOHNSON, BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA.

TRACTOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Got. 7, 1919.

Application filed November 11, 1918. Serial No. 262,060.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRED V. Jonnson, a

citizen of the United States, residing at Berkeley, in the county of Alameda and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tractors, of which the following is a specification. My present invention relates to improvements in tractors of the track-laying type and more particularly to improvements in the track and the coiiperating mechanism.

The principal object of my invention is to provide improved means for supporting the movable track which consists of a plurality of free rollers running in raceways one part of which is fixed and the other part of which is carried by the movable track. A further object is to construct the track with an improved. form of lap joint which is particularly adapted to prevent the entrance of dirt and grit and to retain the oil in the raceways. A further object of the invention is to so construct the track frame and associated mechanism that the rollers and driving mechanism are inclosed in a dust tight case.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists of certain novelfeatures of construction, combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described and more specifically pointed out in the appended claims; it being understood that changes in form, proportion, size and minor details of construction within the scope of the claims. may be resorted to without de parting from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any,of the advantages thereof.

Reference being had to the drawings forming a part of this specification,-

Figure 1 is a View in side elevation of a track-laying unit constructed in. accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2- is a view in. horizontal cross section through the same.

Fig. 3- is a view in vertical section through the drive end of-theninit,

Fig. 4-- is a view in section substantially on the line l4, Fig. 3.

Fig. 5,- is an enlarged View partly in elevation and partly in section of the improved track usedin connection with my' invention. Fig. is a view in plan of the improved track. p I

Fig. 7".TS through this improved tracla.

. transverse sectional view,

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of the under side of one of the track shoes showing the means for locking the holding screws.

Fig. 9 is a view in plan of a track joint between the points A-B, Fig. 1;

Referring to corresponding parts of the several views by the same numerals of reference my' device consists of a track frame 1 which is oval in shape and consists of the track angles 2 disposed in opposite relation to each other. These angles are held in parallel spaced relation by'means of plates 4, 5 and 6 which are riveted or bolted across the laterally disposed flanges of the angles.

from the flange of the angle an amount equal to the thickness of the gusset plate 9 and is provided with an angular end which overlaps the end of the plate 9. The two gusset plates are pivotally connected together by means of a bolt 12.

The free ends of track angles 8 and 10 are curved between the points A and B on a radius whose center is the axis of the pin 12. These free ends are provided with overlapping tongues 13 and 14 thereby forming a continuous trackway for the rollers regardless of the amount which the ends are moved in reference to one another.

Extending between the upper and lower sections of the track member 10 is a channelshaped strut 16 which is secured in place by means of the angles 17 which are riveted to the back of the channel and to the lateral flanges of the track member. The channel is further secured to the track angles by being attached to gusset plate 9 at the top and a gusset plate 18 at the bottom. The latter is extended across the sides of the joint formed by the tongues 13 and 14 thereby preventing the entrance of foreign matter through the sides of these joints.

The top of the joint (is protected from the" entrance of foreign matter by means of a raeeways and to provide means for the introduction of oil.

For adjusting and holding each of the movable angles 8, 1 provide a tin'n-buckle 23 having the right and le ft threaded screws 24: and 2%. The outer ends of these screws are provided with eyes which are pivotally mounted on pins 21 and 22. The former extends between plates 23 which are riveted to the sides of the trackway members 8 While the latter extends between the flanges of the channel, 16. By this construction the rotationof the turn-buckle moves the member 8 on pin 12 as a center and when the proper adjustment is secured the turn-buckle is locked by means of suitable nuts on the threaded screws.

The track unit as a whole is pivotally supported at one end on a nonrotating axle while the other end is spring supported to allow a limited amount of movement in ref erence to the tractor body. l 'rojecting laterally from the t -actor body are beams 26 which extend entirely through the tracklaying unit. In contact with the lower flanges of these beams are almtment plates 27 and on the upper flanges are secured guide'bars which extend laterally and embrace the strut 16 thereby holding the track-laying unit in alinement with the tractor body and prevent undue strains on the axle 25.

I Pivot-ally attached to the gusset plates 9 are eye bolts 30 which extend downwardly between beams 26 and have attached on their lower ends abutment plates 31. Heavy compression springs 33 are interposed between the plates 27 and 31. thus providing a. spring mounting between the tractor body and this end of the track-laying unit.

\Vithin the larger end-of the oval track is a driving wheel 39 which is composed of a hub 40 having radial arms 42 and an annulus attached to the outer ends of the latter. The hub is bushed and is revoluble upon a sleeve 453 which in turn is mounted on the axle 25.

The annulus M has sprocket teeth to on its outer surface and gear teeth 4L6 on its interior surface. The latter teeth cooperate with a toothed pinion 4-7 which is keyed to the driving shaft as and which extends outwardly from the tractor frame 50. -The driving wheel just described is revoluble within a substantially dust tight compartment made so by means of plates 51 which are secured to the side flanges of the track angles 10 and the curved plate 525 which has its edges attached to the forward edges of plate 51 and at the top and bottom to the plates 4 and 5.

Attached to the outside of plates 51. are angles 55 which are riveted thereto 21L suitable intervals and which are also secured to the track angles 10'. These angles serve talents to stitlen the entire structure as Well as to support the sleeve The latter extends through holes in the plates 51 and is connected to the angles by means of the U bolts 50. Theend-play otthe sleeve on the axle is prevented by means of washers 57 which overlap and contact with the edges of the outer flange of angles 55.

The. endless flexible track which moves about the oval trackway heretofore described consists of a plurality of members each of which is composed of two parallel angleshaped tread members 60. These members are parallel to each other and placed with their vertical flanges back to back so that their interior angles are diagonally placed with reference to the interior angles of the parallel track members 2. Thus the diag0- nally disposed angles form raceways in which are provided free cyindrical rollers (51. 8

The hori ontal flanges of the members (50 are attached to track shoes 62, and between the latter and the horizontal flanges of members (30 are light plates (53 which serve as oil retainers, and further, to prevent the entrance of foreign matter into the raceWa-ys.

Extending between the raceway members 60 at, each end thereof isfapivot pin 64: the ends of which are thittened as at 65, and fit correspondingly shaped openings in; the vertical flange of the member 60. Mounted on these pins and connecting adjacent track members are links 66 which links are formed with semi-circular ends and concaved sides (37, the radius of which is 1% that of the outer surface of the annulus The curved'ends of these links form, the

contact surfaces with which the; teeth i5 engage while the curved outer surface ofthe links engages the outer surfaceof the'annu- 1, lus and thus causes the axes of the pivot pins to swing about the wheel, always at the same distance from its center.

The adjacent ends of members 60 inside of a line connecting the axes of pins 6i are cut oil at an angle as shown at 68, while the lower rear corner of each angle is beveled as shown at 70.

The forward end of each plate (53 forms a tongue which projects under the beveled corner 70 of the adjacent tread member. This corner prevents intcrr'erence with the said tongue 76 when the member UOspiaots on the corresponding links. This projectin end not only assists in retaining the lubricant in the raceways and preventing theen trace of dirt therein, but also limits the freedom 01 movement between the adjacent trackway members. The connecting link 66 is pivoted to the two adjacent ends of the members 60 instead of these members being pivotally connected to each other. This construction, were it not that the tongue 7 6 on plate (53 projects over the curved end 71 l of the adjacent shoe, would permit the end of one shoe to move out of alinement with the adjacent end of the adjoining shoe.

The tread shoes 62 have overlapping curved ends 71 and 72 which are curved on a center, which is in a line midway between theaxes of the pivot pin 64, and approximately in the pivot pins.

In use the shaft 48is driven by a suitable motor and transmission on the tractor frame, and the rotation of the pinion 47 keyed thereon, drives the Wheel 39. The latter revolves on the non-rotatable axle plane through the axes of the sleeve 43, and rolls overthat portion of the flexible track which is onthe ground.

As the tractor is generally driven in a forward direction, I construct the lap-joint formed by the end 76 so that as the track is picked up by the Wheel, the lubricant fiowsdownwardly into the next track-shoe,

-.and is thus to a greater extent retained in the raceways. Furthermore, the endof this tongue about contacts with the inner surface of the curved end of the adjacent shoe. This projecting tongue does not extend the entire width ofthe track-shoes, but as shown in Fig. 6, only'to a point a-little outside of the an le members 60,-which construction gives the dirt which enters over the outer edge of the shoes, a better chance to find its way out as the track revolves.

The members 60 may be attached to the track-shoes 62 either by rivets or bolts 77. In case the latter is used, a smooth counter sunk head is provided on the. inside of the treadwav members, and means is provided for turning up the nut without the bolt itself I turning.

This consists of a rectangular washer 78, the sides of which contact with the curved ends 71 or 72, or with the grouser 7 9. Each of these washers is provided with ahole that fits closely on the bolt, and on diametrically opposite sides of this hole are recesses 80. The bolts are provided with transverse holes through which extends a pin 81, and

which projects from each side thereof. In

use the bolt is placed in position through the angle 60, plate 63 and shoe 62. The pin is then slipped into the hole in the bolt, and the washer dropped over it. Then when the nut is screwed up, it will be apparent that if the bolt starts to turn, such motion will be arrested by the contact between the washer and the abutting surface.

Having thus described my invention I claim as new and wish to cover by Letters Patent 1. A traction device, an endless flexible track comprising track shoes, parallel tread members attached to said shoes, plates between said shoes and said tread members, links pivotally connecting the ends of adjacent tread members, arcuate overlapping having a tongue formed on one end thereof whlch overlaps the adjacent tread member and attached track shoe.

2. A traction device, an endless flexible {track comprising track shoes, parallel tread members attached to said shoes, plates between said shoes and said tread members, llIlkS pivotally connecting the ends of adjacent tread members, arcuate overlapping endson said shoes curved on radii whose centers are midway between the axes of said connecting links, and tongues formed on said plates which overlap the arcuate ends of the adjacent track shoes.

3. A traction device of the character described, an endless flexible track composed of track shoes, parallel angle-shaped tread members attached to said shoes, plates interposed between said shoes and said tread members, pivot pins extending between said tread members at each end thereof, links pivotallymounted on the pins of adj'acent tread members, curved overlapping, ends on said shoes, and tongues formed on said plates which project over the curved end of the adjacent track shoes.

4. A traction device of the character described comprising an endless flexible. track composed of parallel angleshaped tread members having their adjacent ends substantially abutting against one another, links pivotallyv connecting the ends of adjacent members, plates attached to the lateral flanges of said members and having tongues at one end thereof which overlap the ends of the adjacent tread members, track shoes on the outside of said plates, and a curved end formed on each end of said shoes which overlaps the ends of each adj acent shoe.

'5. A traction device of the character de scribed comprising a substantially oval trackway frame having parallel opposed raceways,an end-less flexible track movable about said frame, composed of parallel angle-shaped tread members forming movable raceways for cooperation withthe raceways of said trackway frame, links pivotally connecting the adjacent ends of said tread members, plates on the outer faces of said tread members, tongues formed on the forward ends of said plates and overlapping the rear ends of the adjacent tread members, track shoes attached on the outside of said plates, and overlapping curved ends formed scribed comprising a substantially oval trackway frame having parallel opposed raceways, anvendless flexible track movable about said. frame, composed of parallel angleshaped tread membersforming .movable raceways for cotiperatlon w1th the raceways (if said trackway frame, free cylindrical 65 ends on said shoes, and said plates rollers in said raceways, links pivotally connecting the adjacent ends of said tread members, plates on the outer faces of said tread members, tongues formed on the forward ends of said plates and overlapping the rear ends of the adjacent tread members, track shoes attached on the outside of said plates and curved ends formed on said shoes which overlap each other and the ends of the ad-- jacent tread members.

7, A traction device of the character described comprising a substantially oval trackway frame composed of parallel angle members having opposed roller raceways, an endless flexible track movable about said frame having cooperating raceways, plates connecting the laterally disposed flanges of said members at one endof said frame, vertical plates attached to the side flanges of said angle members at the opposite end of said frame, a plate extending between the upper and lower portion of said frame and connected to the inner edgesof said vertical plates to form a sul'istantially dirt proof chamber and a drive wheel for said endless track revolubly mounted with said chamber.

8. A traction device of the character described comprising a substantially oval traclnvay frame composed of parallel angle members having roller raceways, an endless flexible track having cooperating raceways movable around said frame, plates attached to said angle members to form a chamber at one end of said frame and a drive wheel for said track revolubly mounted in said chamber.

9 A. traction device of the character described comprising a substantially oval trackway frame composed of spaced parallel angle members, an endless flexible track movable around said frame, said frame and said track having cooperating roller raceways, plates at one end of said frame ex tending between the transverse flange there of and forming in coiiperation with said track a substantially dirt proof inclosure for said raceways, side plates extending across the vertical flanges of said angle mem- ,bcrs atthe opposite end of said fran'ie, a

plate connecting the inner ends of said side 1 plates and forn'ling in connection therewith an inclosing chamber, and a drive wheel for said track revolubly mounted in said chamber.

10'. A traction device of the character described comprising anendless trackway frame composed of parallel L-shaped members, having their internal angles adjacent each other facing outwardly, and forming roller raceways, an endless track having cooperating roller raceways, overlapping tread plates carried by said track forming substantially a closure for the outer periphery of said trackway frame, plates extending between the transverse flanges of said L-shaped members at one end 11. A traction device of the character described comprising a track frame having endless roller raceways, an endless flexible track having cooperating raceways movable about said frame, free cylindrical rollers movable in said raceways, said frame comprising two pivotally connected portions having their other ends curved on an arc whose center is that of the axis of the pivot between the two portions, telescoping tongues formed on said curved ends to give continuous rolling surfaces for said rollers, fixed plates overlapping the sides of the joint formed by said tongues, and a hinge plate pivotally mounted between said fixed plates, and covering the upper surfaces of the joint formed by said tongues.

12. In. a traction device of the character described comprising an endless t'rackway frame having opposed raceways, arcuate ends on said fran'ie, an endless flexible track movable about said frame composed of parallel angle-shaped tread members forming raceways for coiiperating with the raceways of said frame, links pivotally connecting the adjacent ends of said tread members, a drive wheel conc mtrically disposed with respect to one of said arcuate ends, teeth formed on the periphery of-said wheel for engagement with said links, arcuate surfaces between said teeth, the centers of which is the axis of said wheel, and concave surfaces on said links adapted to seat on the arcuate surfaces between said teeth.

13. A traction device of the character described comprising an endless trackway frame composed of upper and lower portions and connecting arcuate end portions, said frame comprising parallel spaced angle members, plates extending between saidangle members on the inside thereof and forming closures for the upper, lower and one arcuate portion of said track, a flexible track movable around said frame, overlapping tread plates on said track forming substantially a closure around the outer periphery thereof, vertical plates attached to the sides of said frame-at the other areuate portion, a transverse plate extending between said upper and lower portion of the frame and attached to the inner ends of said vertical plates to from. an inclosing chamber and a drive wheel for said track revolubly mounted in said chamber. I I

14. A traction device of the character described comprising a substantially oval trackway frame composed of'opposed parallel angle members having r'oll'er raceways, an endless flexible track movable about said fmme composed of pairs 11% parallax}; tread; said fle-xi bia Mach and wnvex' curved surmembers having raceways coiperming with faces fommd on said Wheel between the the raaeways of said frame, connecting links. teeth thereof having the same radii as the 10 pivotally connecting adjacent ends of said wncswe faces of said links. f

5 pair of tread members, and having cancava in mat imony wirelenfi afiix my signature."

side surfaces, 11 toothed drive whazei rem luoly mounted; Within said frame for driving F V. J'GHNSON. 

